AUSTRALIA

Capital: Canberra
Language: English
Currency: Australian Dollar AUD
Population: 22’000.000 Aprox. Census July 2008
National Day: 26 January “ Australia Day”

• It is a continent located in Oceania .
• It ranks as number 5 in the world as a country with the best quality of life.
• It is a multicultural country that allows
• It is a country that provides opportunities for professionals whose occupations are in demand to apply for a permanent resident visa and then obtain Australian citizenship.

MAIN CITIES AND TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION

Australia is made up of 6 states, New South Wales (NSW) (Sydney), Victoria (VIC) (Melbourne), Queensland (QLD) (Brisbane), South Australia (SA) (Adelaide), Western Australia (WA) (Perth ), Tasmania (TAS) (Hobart) and two territories, Australian Capital Territory (ACT) (Canberra). Northern Territory (NT) (Darwin).

TIME DIFFERENCE

Most areas of Australia are 16-20 hours ahead of the American continent, 9-10 hours ahead of Europe and 2-3 hours ahead of Asia.

TRANSPORT

Australia offers an efficient transport system which includes trains, buses and ferries at very reasonable prices.

The tickets for trains and ferries can be purchased at the stations. To use the service you can pay the bus ticket directly from the bus or buy a discounted travel pass.

If you want to save money on transportation you can purchase the weekly or monthly ticket at any station.

For information visit the the NSW Transport Info website www.131500.com.au

WEATHER

Australia has four seasons during the year.
Summer: December to February.
Autumn: March to May.
Winter: June to August.
Spring: September to November.
Temperatures during each season may vary according to the city.

To find out what the weather is like in Sydney visit the Sydney Morning Herald weather website www.weather.smh.com.au

CURRENCY

Australian Dollar AUD
Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c silver. $ 1 and $ 2 gold.
Tickets: $ 5 Color Purple, $ 10 Blue, $ 20 Orange Color $ 50 Yellow Color and $ 100 Green Color. All notes are plastic.

For an accurate currancy converter visit www.xe.com

COST OF LIVING

Australia allows students to work 20 hrs / week while studying and 40hr (full-time) per week holiday period.
The unemployment rate is 5%.
The average international student spends about $ 250 AUD / week.
This includes:
Accommodation $ 125
Food $ 30
Transportation $ 35
Cell Phone and $ 40
Entertainment $ 20

TOURISM

For more information on Australian tourism visit the official Tourism Australia, state and territory tourism websites:
Tourism Australia
Tourism Vistoria
Tourism New South Wales
Tourism Queensland
Tourism Western Australia
Tourism South Australia
Tourism NT
Australian Capital Tourism
Visit Tasmania

EX PAT Websites

For the best Ex Pat sites for new maigrants and Ex Pats travelling to or living in Australia, fantastic forums, helpful information and events visit the following:
South Africa
United Kingdom
Canada
Ireland
New Zealand

ACCOMMODATION

If you are looking to move to Australia on a temporary or permanent basis you will need to plan ahead and look for property to rent or buy. Please refer to the links below, these websites help ensure that you choose the right property, in the right suburb, to meet your budget and requirements.
Domain.com.au
myhome.com.au
RealEstate.com.au

If you are looking for a more flexible accommodation arrangement then a furnished apartment is a great solution. Furnished Property in Sydney is the largest agency and search engine offering short or long term furnished apartments. You do not have to commit to a long term agreement and all of the apartments are fully furnished. Furnished Property offer studio, 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments as well as furnished homes, managed guesthouses and serviced apartments. Furnished Property